Wondering Presbyterian

         August 22 was my “ordinaversary.” On August 22 ten years ago, I was ordained to be a minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Normally, the anniversary day comes and goes pretty quietly. Occasionally, I miss the day entirely but since this year is kind of a milestone year, I thought I’d pay attention. If this were a marital relationship, my spouse would owe me some kind of aluminum gift (according to a marriage handbook my husband and I got for our wedding). While I might pick up some aluminum foil later (I think we’re low anyway), the anniversary of ordination isn’t something that generally gets more than a passing mention, if that. But it’s been 10 years, and quite honestly, year 10 has been insane. I thought year 3 was crazy (that was the year of the EF4 tornado that devastated my town in Illinois), but 2020 really takes the cake and then some.             I have learned so much in 10 years ...

    If you walk into my house through the front door, the first thing you notice is the mirror on the wall. It’s a round mirror with a metal rose and ivy design I bought on clearance from Hobby Lobby. I put the mirror there for the obvious reason: so I could check my face before I leave the house. Above the mirror is a painted picture I bought with a quote from Joshua 24: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” It was one of my grandfather’s favorite Bible verses, so that verse holds a special meaning for me. We are strategic about what we put right inside the door of our homes. It’s kind of like a prelude: here’s a taste of what you will get if you come into this home.               I hope my choices say “Here we love Jesus and your face is important to us.” Well, your whole self is important to us, but the mirror only reflects your face.           ...